Forest Wildlife Specialist – Tennessee Private Lands

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS)

Location: Home office within northeastern Tennessee
Position Type: Full-time position, 2-year term
Posting Closes: October 16, 2026, or until filled with an exceptional candidate

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is a national organization with a 65-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Tennessee (NRCS-TN), and other partners, are looking for a motivated individual to work effectively with private forest landowners in the Cumberland Plateau region of northeastern Tennessee. The selected individual will work as a conservation forester leading sustainable forest management practices on private lands with the goal of benefiting imperiled wildlife, local livelihoods, oak-pine forest composition, and forest health.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will prepare NRCS-compliant Forest Management Plans for eligible private landowners, along with other technical assistance and associated outreach activities. The Specialist will be based out of a home office in northeastern Tennessee and will be expected to travel to the Cumberland Plateau region frequently for field work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will work with NRCS-TN, RGS & AWS staff, and other partners to provide forest management support to private landowners. Specifically, the Specialist will:

• Provide outreach and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, including:
• Conducting forest inventories, analyzing inventory data, and developing treatment prescriptions
• Preparing NRCS-compliant Forest Management Plans through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Working Lands for Wildlife
• Assisting with layout and marking of habitat improvement practices
• Leading education and outreach efforts to benefit private landowners and increase program participation
• Conduct all mapping, monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting for the activities above.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with RGS & AWS staff and partner organizations to facilitate the activities above.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in forestry or a closely related field, preferably including coursework or professional experience in forest stand improvement practices and wildlife conservation.
• Ability to identify the tree species of eastern Tennessee reliably, leaf-on or leaf-off, including seedlings and saplings.
• Professional skills, knowledge, and experience in utilizing active forest management to meet desired silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives.
• Experience using forest inventory tools and software to follow detailed inventory protocols.
• Experience developing and implementing site-specific forest management plans or practices.
• Experience working with private landowners.
• Knowledge of USDA NRCS processes, regulations, and programs preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and solve problems.
• Applicant must be able to develop and manage their daily work schedule to achieve results and work highly independently.
• Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office software.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in physically challenging environments under adverse conditions.
• Willingness and ability to drive 4WD vehicles on remote mountain roads and trails.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will work remotely, with regular travel required for field work and meetings. The Specialist is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in its work. The Specialist will be supervised by RGS & AWS’ Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Director. There will be a 6-month probationary period.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position includes a combination of field forestry, office-based work, and remote work, with frequent travel for field work, meetings, events, and organizational activities. Field work is expected to comprise roughly 75% of the position’s workload on average.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive compensation; generous PTO; health insurance including medical, dental, and vision; retirement options including employer contribution; a vehicle or mileage for business travel; a purchasing card for business and travel expenses; personal computer and printer; cell phone; and office supplies.

The salary scale for this role is $44,000 to $68,000, accounting for a range of considerations such as skill set, experience, training and certifications as well as business and organizational needs. Within this pay scale, starting salary will be based on those considerations, with merit raises possible over time based on job performance.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & BACKGROUND CHECK

Employment is contingent upon verification of eligibility to work in the United States (E-Verify).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RGS & AWS is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

Employment with RGS & AWS is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change at any time based on organizational needs.